Democrats in the US House of Representatives are battling behind the scenes over impeachment of US Republican President Donald Trump.

The lawmakers held a closed-door caucus meeting on Tuesday, marked by disagreement about Trump’s impeachment, a source inside the room told The Hill.

A push for impeachment by California Democratic Representative Brad Sherman was censured during the meeting.

There must be “a discussion within the caucus — in a public forum — before we do something that would position our colleagues or our future colleagues,” said Massachusetts Democratic Representative Michael Capuano. "Emotions are high. These issues have political implications and government ones."

Maryland Democratic Representative Steny Hoyer also argued that it is not the right time to impeach the president.

“We believe strongly that a discussion about impeachment is not timely,” he said.

Sherman, meanwhile, told The Hill that he had spoken with Capuano , a leadership ally, and vowed to coordinate such an effort.

"I said, 'I couldn’t agree with you more. I’m not doing anything until I consult with colleagues and leadership,'" Sherman said.

He is expected to formally introduce his article of impeachment this week or next week.

His article argues that Trump obstructed justice by firing FBI Director James Comey as he was heading an investigation into ties between Trump’s associates and the Kremlin during the 2016 campaign and transition.

Both Trump and Russia have denied allegations of interference and collusion.

"I think the Republican leadership is entitled to a few weeks to decide what to do with this article," Sherman said.

As Republicans control the majority in the House, Sherman’s resolution has “virtually no chance” of going through, according to The Hill.